APPLEBEE'S PARK (Lexington, KY) - Catcher J.R. Towles, who had two outstanding seasons with the Lexington Legends in 2005 and 2006 and made his major league debut with the Houston Astros in 2007, has been elected to the Legends Hall of Fame.

Towles will be at Applebee's Park for an induction ceremony on the Legends' annual Hall of Fame night, Friday, September 3 before the Legends 7:05 p.m. game against the Rome Braves. The ceremony is sponsored by Blue Grass Energy.

Towles batted .346 with five homers and 23 RBI in 45 games for Lexington in 2005 and came back with a .317 average, 12 homers and 55 RBI in 81 games in 2006. He also stole 11 bases for the Legends in 2005 and 13 in 2006, and won the South Atlantic League All-Star Home Run Derby in 2006.

"Without question, J.R. Towles is one of the most popular players to ever wear the Legends uniform," said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. "His fiery attitude and 100% effort on the field endeared him to our fans from that very first collision at home plate in his initial game at Applebee's Park. We're proud to welcome J.R. into the Lexington Legends Hall of Fame."

"J.R. was an important part of the Legends, both on and off the field," Legends General Manager Andy Shea added. "He was active in the community when he was here, and has continued to stay in touch with friends in Lexington. He's a great addition to the Legends Hall of Fame."

Towles was chosen from among 12 nominees in voting online and at Applebee's Park during Legends home games from May 15-July 15.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.